Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over recent months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although Magic Kingdom tickets still need to be bought separately. These lower prices, which are valid through September 24, signify a notable decline from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, the company is lowering the price of its most affordable hotel options, with rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting as low as $100 per night, depending on booking dates. This represents up to a 27% reduction from standard rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
To further entice visitors, Disney has launched new dining packages this summer, offering a discount of 20% to 30% on meals. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, valid for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. There is also an increase in quick meal options, more affordable kid’s meals, and updated restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the drop in customer satisfaction partly to the rising cost of dining within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many favorite restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the positive aspects of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he raised concerns that such actions may not genuinely indicate a commitment to affordability or improving guest experiences. He noted that the company has historically prioritized revenue over positive customer feedback.